FOXBORO — Tom Brady completed 8-of-12 passes for 75 yards while Sony Michel showed his most explosive glimpses so far in the preseason as the Patriots remain unbeaten in the 2019 preseason with a 10-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
Patrick Chung was not on the sideline or in uniform after reports of his indictment on felony cocaine possession charges earlier in the day.
Like in Nashville last Saturday, some uncharacteristic sloppiness cost the Patriots early in the game. One example came when rookie Jakobi Meyers was called for holding on a 30-yard run by Michel in the first quarter.
Meyers also appeared to run the wrong route on a Brady deep ball on the first series of the game. He also had a dropped pass from Brady. Meyers recovered nicely to catch seven passes on 12 targets for 74 yards.
Ryan Izzo made a diving catch on a thread-the-needle pass on a Rob Gronkowski-like seam route down to the Carolina 8. Several plays later, it was James Develin diving in from one yard out for the Patriots first touchdown, a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter that lasted until Joey Slye’s 41-yard field goal with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
James Develin slams it in from the one to cap a monster 15-play, 85-yard drive for the #Patriots
9:52 2ND#Patriots 7#Panthers 0
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 23, 2019
The Brady-led touchdown drive went 85 yards in 15 yards, consuming 8:21 of clock time.
Brady played the first three series of the game for the Patriots and was replaced by rookie Jarrett Stidham, who played the remainder of the game. Brian Hoyer did not see the field in the third preseason game.
Stephen Gostkowski, who missed from 43 yards in the third quarter, helped seal the game with a make from 23 yards with 5:13 left, making it 10-3.
Punt returner Gunner Olszewski returned four punts for 63 yards, including one for 28 yards. Brandon King, a reliable player on special teams, was carted off in the second quarter after sustaining a leg injury.
Bill Belichick and teammates came out to wish him well as he departed the field. Braxton Berrios was not spotted on the field and did not dress.
The Patriots conclude the preseason next Thursday at Gillette with their annual preseason finale against the Giants.
